Abstract
In a series of histologically verified malignancies (33 cases) gastroscopy alone established a correct diagnosis in 80%, and cytology definitely in 70% and possibly in an additional 20%. In the 5 cases with early carcinoma. cytology demonstrated malignant cells in all. In the series of histologically verified benign lesions (49 patients) gastroscopy alone suggested a malignant ulcer in about 20% of the cases. In the cytological preparations from the gastric washings a diagnosis of malignant cells was made in two of the cases. Gastroscopy and cytology in combination established a correct diagnosis in about 90%.